Senior Buyer

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority • Kansas City, MO

21h

About The Position

Responsible for the full lifecycle of complex procurement activities involving federal, state, and local funding, with a focus on Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations. This position manages and executes procurements for a wide variety of goods, services, and capital equipment, including rolling stock, with a high degree of independence and professional judgment. The Senior Buyer serves as a subject matter expert on public procurement policy and provides guidance to internal departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or related field.
• At least one (1) to three (3) years of related work experience with contracts, especially in a government or publicly funded environment.
• An equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.
• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of basic mathematics.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment, and software.
• Grant funds as they apply to KCATA projects and solicitations.
• Contract values.
• Transit times for delivery.
• Procurement methods, policies, procedures, and FTA regulations.
• Project management principles.
• Contract administration.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships.
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios.
• Critical thinking.
• Problem solving.
• Organization and time management.
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Understand and conduct oral and written directions.
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Research and negotiate prices when applicable.
• Calculate figures and amounts in a variety of methods as required of each solicitation/project.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive knowledge of public procurement methods, practices, and contract administration.
• Comprehensive understanding of FTA procurement regulations and requirements.
• Proven experience conducting procurements for a variety of goods and services, including complex and high-dollar value items.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to perform cost and price analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing bid specifications, contracts, reports, and communicating with diverse groups.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects under tight deadlines.
• High ethical standards and knowledge of standards of conduct related to public procurement.
• Proficiency with procurement software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Strong negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a high-volume portfolio of complex procurements using various methods, including Invitation for Bids (IFB), Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), sole source, and small purchase procedures.
• Ensure all procurement activities and resulting contracts comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, particularly FTA Circular 4220.1G and other relevant requirements. Stays informed of changes to these regulations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and review procurement strategies, project specifications, and scopes of work.
• Prepare, review, and issue complex solicitation documents. Manage all aspects of the solicitation process, including posting advertisements, conducting pre-bid/proposal conferences, and facilitating evaluations for Request for Proposals and Requests for Qualifications.
• Perform detailed cost and price analyses to ensure fair and reasonable pricing and organize pre-award audits or surveys when necessary.
• Facilitate contract negotiations and prepare all contract award documents for review by management and legal counsel.
• Prepare procurement files and coordinate documentation for external audits, such as FTA Triennial Reviews.
• Administer contracts post-award, which may include monitoring contractor performance, processing, approved change orders and approved amendments, and resolving disputes in coordination with stakeholders.
• Perform other procurement-related duties consistent with the level and responsibilities of a Senior Buyer, as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees